Idaho Fish and Game has reopened the parking area at the Crystal Lake access site near Priest River following emergency repairs to address a sinkhole hazard. The agency also improved the boat ramp and trimmed trees while completing necessary maintenance at the site.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a public meeting on August 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the FWP office in Missoula to discuss the proposed 2027–2030 Statewide Fisheries Management Plan. The plan and environmental assessment are available for public review and comment through September 14, 2026.
Three proposed amendments by Region 1 Commissioner Ian Wargo for the Aug. 19 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting address Fall 2026–Winter 2027 Furbearer and Wolf Trapping and Hunting Seasons. Amendments include retaining Region 1's bobcat quota, establishing regional wolf quotas, and creating a new Wolf Management Unit with a general hunting season. Public comment is welcome at the Montana Heritage Center in Helena.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on multiple environmental assessments and proposals, including W7 Ranch private pond licenses, Hannah Ranch conservation easement, Tongue River Reservoir wild fish transfer, Vande Sandt private pond license, wildlife management area plans, and the Statewide Fisheries Management Plan 2027-2030, with comment deadlines ranging from August 20 through September 14.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Resources Division is recruiting qualified applicants for the Coastal Advisory Council, which advises on conservation and management of coastal resources. Two vacancies are available: one for a Scientific Research Organization representative and one for State Government/Regional Commission representative. The application deadline is September 14, 2026.
The Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program Advisory Council will meet in Conrad on September 14-15 to review program activities and tour local habitat projects. FWP regional staff will highlight work to improve upland game bird habitat and expand public hunting opportunities. Both the field tour and meeting are open to the public.
The Private Land/Public Wildlife Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, August 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. via Zoom to review landowner incentive survey results, discuss FWP access program funding, and finalize recommendations for the final PL/PW report.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is lowering water levels at Tomahawk Creek Flooding by approximately 2 feet following state inspection concerns. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy identified elevated water levels, inadequate flow, and seepage at the dam in Presque Isle and Montmorency counties.
The Utah Geological Survey and Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources published the first formal geologic map of the Oljeto 7.5' quadrangle, developed collaboratively to address groundwater priorities in the hyper-arid Colorado Plateau region. Led by Dr. Matthew Morriss and Trevor Schlossnagle, the project was funded through the USGS STATEMAP program.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Commercial Fishing Boat Advisory Board will meet August 13 via Zoom livestream. The board will discuss two recommendations for the interim Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee: creating an independent Fishing Outfitters Board or amending legislation to join the Wyoming State Board of Outfitters and Professional Guides.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting applications for the Region 5 Citizen Advisory Collective in south-central Montana. The CAC meets several times yearly to advise FWP on resource management and serve as ambassadors to outdoor interest groups. Applicants must live in Region 5 counties and submit applications by September 14.
Dr. Everose (Eve) SchlĂĽter has been appointed Director of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, making her the first woman to lead the agency. With nearly two decades of experience at MassWildlife, she previously served as Acting Director and Deputy Director, overseeing fisheries, wildlife, endangered species, and habitat conservation programs.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Desha County Judge Wayne Smith, and the Cypress Creek Drainage District are partnering to repair a bridge providing access to the newly acquired 2,206-acre Oakwood Wildlife Management Area. Contractors will begin work within weeks, with completion expected before deer archery season opens September 26.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has selected Amy Grout as the new regional recreation manager for Region 1 in northwest Montana. Grout brings over 20 years of FWP experience, most recently serving as Flathead Lake district recreation manager. Regional supervisor Amber Steed praised Grout's leadership and commitment to balancing conservation with quality recreation experiences.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Natural Resource Commission will hold its monthly meeting on August 13 at 9:30 a.m. in Des Moines. The public may attend in person or participate remotely via video conference or phone. The agenda includes wildlife habitat grants, game management areas, construction projects, and land acquisition initiatives.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on ice fishing contests proposed for the 2026-2027 season. Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, and the FWP Fisheries Division will approve, conditionally approve, or deny applications. Comments must be submitted by August 24.
The Montana State Shooting Facilities and Improvements Development and Oversight Task Force will meet Aug. 10 via Zoom. Co-chairs Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe and Sen. John Fuller will use feedback from over 1,400 Montana shooters and research from South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado to develop facility recommendations due June 30, 2027.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources launched IHEA PathPerks, becoming the second state agency to offer newly certified hunters pro-level gear pricing from over 200 outdoor brands including Hornady, Swarovski Optik, Weatherby, and Vortex Optics. Co-developed by the International Hunter Education Association and Guidefitter, the no-cost program reaches Alabama's approximately 500,000 hunters at no expense to the state or students.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host a public meeting September 3 in Newberry to discuss the removal of three aging dams: Brockies Pond Dam, Millecoquins Pond Dam, and Silver Creek Pond Dam. Removal is expected in 2027, with estimated costs under $300,000 per dam.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission will meet Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Lansing Community College. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will livestream the meeting at 9 a.m. via the DNR's YouTube meetings channel, with the draft agenda available at Michigan.gov/NRC.